AUGU ST 2020
182
LAKE
ROAD
•
TOBYHANNA,
Board Election Results
P E N N S Y LVA N I A
18466
IN THIS ISSUE
Steve Baker...................152 votes James Yando.................144 votes Wayne Meyers...............143 votes Hugh Doran................... 97 votes
OUR COMMUNITY
Congratulations to Steve, Jim, and Wayne on your election to the PFCCA Board of Directors!
From Your B.O.D.
2
From the General Manager
3
Neighborhood Watch
4
Public Safety
4
Letter to the Editor
5
B.O.D. Meeting Dates
5
Round by Round
7
Fun with Fitness
7
Visit Our New Website poconofarms.com
182 Lake Road, Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania 18466
Newburgh, NY 12550 PERMIT NO. 335
PAID
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P O C O N O FA R M S
COUNTRY CLUB ASSOCIATION INC. 182 Lake Road • Tobyhanna, PA 18466 www.poconofarms.com • admin@poconofarms.com
BOARD OF DIRECTORS: President Vice-President Treasurer Secretary Director Director Director Director Director
Steve Bunker Frank Milano James Yando Wayne Meyers Richard McCormick Annette Doerr Brian Cavanaugh Peter Volpe James Ribardo
COMMITTEES: • A & B/Environmental / Crime Watch • Finance • Golf • Recreation / Fitness / Tennis / Pool • Communications/ Long Range Planning
Richard McCormick James Yando James Ribardo Annette Doerr Rich McCormick
DEPARTMENT HEADS General Manager 894-4435 ext. 100
David Timko dtimko@poconofarms.com
Asst. General Manager 894-4435 ext. 132
Katrina Weithman katrinaw@poconofarms.com
Controller 894-4435 ext. 103
Thomas Franchetti controller@poconofarms.com
Golf Pro 894-4435 ext. 110
Kyle Monahan golfshop@poconofarms.com
Greens Superintendent Jeff Lesoine 894-4435 jeffreyl3@poconofarms.com Chef 894-4435 ext. 130
Len Iorio pfkitchen@poconofarms.com
Activities Director 894-4435 ext. 113
Nick Gallagher recdir@poconofarms.com
Public Safety & Compliance Director Artie Furman 894-4435 ext. 105 afurman@poconofarms.com Maintenance Dave Winters 894-4435 pfmaint@poconofarms.com Fitness 894-4435 ext. 116
Kristen Aylward fitness@poconofarms.com
Administration 894-4435 ext. 106
Susan Nevarez admin@poconofarms.com
Pocono Farms Realty Lex Colon 894-0300 lex.colon.realtor@gmail.com Website/Communications Kathleen Nealon Coordinator webcomcord@poconofarms.com 894-4435 ext. 201
The official publication of the Pocono Farms Country Club Association, Inc. PUBLISHED BY NIKI JONES AGENCY, INC. 39 Front Street, Port Jervis, New York 12771 P: 845.856.1266 E: info@nikijones.com Articles appearing in The Weathervane are presented as a community service. They do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher or of the Pocono Farms Country Club Association, Inc. The publisher and the PFCCA disclaim any liability for any advertisements published herein, in no way endorse or guarantee these ads and reserve the right to reject any ads submitted. Position of advertising in the newspaper is not guaranteed.
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From You r Boa r d Of Dir ec tor s BY ANNETTE DOERR August already? As a Board, we were sad that the Annual Meeting had to be postponed because of Covid-19 regulations. As soon as it’s safe to gather in a manner that will fulfill our quorum requirements, the meeting will be rescheduled and held. Hopefully that date will be sooner rather than later, once we have more information, we will get it out to you. Our elections for vacancies on the Board of Directors were held as normal, and by the time of printing, our 3 newly elected directors will be serving on our current Board. Congratulations to the winners, I look forward to working with you to keep our community a place we can all be proud to call home! While we decided that it was in the best interest for the community, we were also sad to postpone our annual fireworks celebration that normally occurs to celebrate Independence Day. It’s always a well-attended community event where everyone has a great time. While those professional fireworks are a permitted, sanctioned event, I’d like to take a few minutes to remind all of our residents that fireworks are NOT permitted in our community. (Administrative Code – Chapter 111-3: Fireworks are prohibited except by a permit in accordance with the laws of Pennsylvania.) Besides local ordinances against fireworks, Pennsylvania State Law 2017 Act 43 states that: (5) Consumer fireworks cannot be used within 150 feet of an occupied structure. We’ve read a lot of complaints on various local Facebook boards about residents and short-term rentals blowing off fireworks at late hours. Yes, it’s an issue, yes they’re illegal, but the proper chain of command for such complaints should go thru the police department, not our Admin Office as we have no jurisdiction other than fining homeowners, which we do when issues occur and we’re notified. (Our fine structure for fireworks in the Administration Code ranges from $50.00 to $300.00.) We’ve also placed very clear information regarding the fact that fireworks are not permitted into the packets for all short-term rentals. While we don’t take fireworks lightly, and do everything we can to discourage their use, our hands are tied with regard to enforcement as it’s a police matter. Speaking of fines, I’d like to clear something else up that apparently many residents do not know. While we do employ a small Public Safety staff, whose purpose is to patrol and secure the assets of Pocono Farms, we do NOT have a private police force. Our community is patrolled by the very competent Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department. They are who you should call for police matters, not our Public Safety Team. If you have a complaint about our Administrative Codes not being followed such as tall grass, dumping, etc., by all means contact our Compliance Officer, Artie. Fireworks at 11 PM, drag racing, burglaries, theft etc. are police matters and should be handled by the same. We have a great relationship with our local police department and they do a great job keeping our community safe. We all need to work together to keep Pocono Farms the amazing community we chose to live in, and that’s one of the reasons I chose to run for the Board of Directors two years ago. If you have an issue, call the office and speak to the proper person. If you have a police matter, call the police; we all want to live in a safe, beautiful community, that’s why we call Pocono Farms home.
W E AT H E RVA N E
AUGUST
2020
From T he Gener a l M a n ager BY DAVE TIMKO Short term rentals, also known as STR’s, tend to come with a bad stigma. And to be honest, there are some that draw the attention of our Compliance Director more than others. As most of us do when we go on vacation, we want to blow off some steam and have fun. In most vacation settings, this is expected. As residential communities have become a vacation destination for STR’s, there are conflicts at times between the year round members of that community and those enjoying some time away utilizing an STR. There
PFCC A HOU R S ADMINISTRATION OFFICE MONDAY TO SATURDAY 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
FITNESS CENTER MONDAY TO SUNDAY 5:00 am - 10:00 pm
COMPACTOR WEDNESDAY 8:00 am - 12:00 pm FRIDAY 8:00 am - 12:00 pm SUNDAY 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
GOLF COURSE & PRO SHOP MONDAY 10:00 am - 6:00 pm TUESDAY TO FRIDAY 8:00 am - 6:00 pm SATURDAY & SUNDAY 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
HALFWAY HOUSE MONDAY 10:00 am - 6:00 pm TUESDAY TO FRIDAY 9:00 am - 6:00 pm SATURDAY & SUNDAY 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
POOL & BEACH MONDAY - SUNDAY 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
has to be a balance and an education process so that the renters of the STR are aware of the community rules and regulations. Short term rentals have been a permitted use within the Pocono Farms Community well before Air BnB or Home Away were ever mentioned. However, I do not think any of us were prepared for the expansion witnessed across the country regarding STR’s. That being said, because of the growth and popularity of STR’s, it has caused community associations and local municipalities to revisit their existing rules and regulations to modify them so that the STR’s use of homes within community associations are managed and monitored. In looking at the Pocono Farms Community, less than 5% of the 1,465 single family homes are registered as STR’s. (only 67 total units as of the end of June). Very seldom are all of them rented at the same time. Other local communities are predominantly made up of rental units. There are steps that we have taken to better communicate with the owners of the STR units. The owners are ultimately responsible for their tenants, whether that are short term (less than 30 days) or long term. It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that the tenants are provided the rules and regulations of the community. However, our Administration staff does very well in communicating the community rules to the tenants. Most recently by including the wording that states that fireworks are prohibited within the community and that fines will be assessed.
• Some of the tenants that have stayed in an STR have purchased a full time home in Pocono Farms because of all of the amenities that are offered; • Revenue that has been generated through the STR program has the ability to off set some operating costs. ( each time a unit is rented, the owner must complete a tenant registration form and pay a fee so that we know who is in the unit. The unit owner will usually sign over their amenity privileges to the renters).
and smoke detectors within the unit. We (PFCCA) look forward to working with the Township as they develop and implement their ordinance. There will need to be a good working relationship between PFCCA and the Township so that we can share information between both parties. We understand that there needs to be a balance
between our members and those staying in STR units. The owner of the unit, the management team, in partnership with the Township, have to work together so that our members can continue to enjoy their lifestyle and the renter can enjoy all that Pocono Farms has to offer while being respectful of the year round members that call Pocono Farms their home.
The Pocono Farms management team has attended multiple meetings with Coolbaugh Township as they are in the process of developing an ordinance regarding the use of a home for the purpose of renting short term. This ordinance will require each unit that will be rented within the Township, to be registered in order to operate as an STR and pay the Township the appropriate fee to operate. There will be specific requirements regarding how many parking spots there can be and be designated as such, number of bedrooms and square foot requirements,
Some of the benefits that we have seen regarding the STR’s are: • Some of the less attractive properties that have not been taken care of have been purchased and cleaned up for this intended use;
W E AT H E RVA N E
AUGUST
2020
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Neighbor hood Watch
P u blic Sa fet y
BY ED KELLY
BY ARTIE FURMAN August is upon us. Alas the year is more than half over. It is hard to fathom that even through these trying times, being cooped up for so long and all we have been through, time goes by so fast. Normally I would be speaking about the fishing derby turnout and how great the fireworks were, but alas these things are on hold for the time being. I am still seeing more foot traffic than I have in prior years, which is a good thing. Plenty of tree and building permits are going out. Not a week goes by that I must ask people to stay off the golf course. Not the golfers mind you but the dog walkers/runners/bicyclists and people enjoying a walk. All of these occurring while people are playing golf. Please unless you are golfing you must stay off the course from when the course opens until the course closes. I am also seeing more of your pets, which is not bad except for when you bring them to the amenities. There is signage at the amenities which tells you that there are no pets allowed. Please follow those rules. Remember no fireworks are allowed within The Farms. I handed out more fines last year because of people not following that rule and before summer is over, I am afraid I will break that record. I have chased fireworks calls all summer and will continue to do so. Please be vigilante and follow through with all the guidelines in place and we will persevere through this pandemic. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Thank you for your cooperation.
As we have begun to slowly try to bring the farms back to life, one constant through the shut down was the volunteer drivers on crime watch. With more of you having to spend time at home, you may have noticed our drivers riding through your neighborhood. The amount of hours spent driving went up considerably the last two months. As many of us have found out, with so much closed down, hanging around the house for a month or more gave us the urge to get out and do something different. In our drivers case, a number of them decided to spend more hours than normal driving through the farms. So many of those unfilled slots were filled. We still have a few snowbirds that haven't made it back yet. I assume at some point they will have to make the move. One thing that didn't change, people were continuing to dump trash and garbage on our roadsides. Our maintenance people and township workers were kept busy keeping up with our calls. Give them credit, they did a good job doing something that shouldn't be necessary. If you see anyone dumping, get a plate number and call our code official, or anyone at the office. Those that have been caught have paid of stiff fine, one that would make you think twice before doing it again.
Gouldsboro Chimney & Furnace Cleaning
Cr i m e Watch
BY R US S K E LLY It's that time of year where we have to keep the grass cut. Do your best to keep it trimmed, no one wants to get a notice from our code official. If you know a neighbor This time of year is the most colorful is having trouble, see if you or someone else can help. • Masonry Chimneys Rebuilt & Repaired to look at for a day or so. Even if you • Stainless Steel Liners & Caps • Woodstove Inserts During the& Fireplace months of Installed March through May, &our drivers 276 are hours on patrol. • Gas or Oil Chimney Furnace Cleaningspenthere a picture with all of the colo • Wooden Chase Chimneysuse a few more • Animals & Any Other Blockages Removed We could always volunteers to help fill all the slots. We can't years ago the earlyexpect residents put tog Rebuilt & Repaired drivers to put in extra hours as things begin to open up again. Give Russ Kelly a call of them ca removal. I am sure many CALL TODAY: (570)676-5253 • Fireplaces, Wood & Coal Stoves at 570-894-4034, or call the office. If you think you might like to try to it. make room for the maxi removed subdivision. $10 OFF CHIMNEY REPAIRS & CLEANING WITH THIS AD
of the Poconos the of the Poconos thePoconos Poconos Experience andofResults Matter! Experience and Results Matter! Experience and Results Matter! Keith Torregrossa Team Matter! Experience and Results Keith Torregrossa KeithTorregrossa Torregrossa Team Team Keith Team Keith Torregrossa Broker/Owner Keith Torregrossa Keith Torregrossa Broker/Owner Listing Agent
Cheryl Ehrhart Buyer’s Agent Cheryl Ehrhart Cheryl Buyer’sEhrhart Agent
Buyer’s Agent
To keep the idea of tree preservation removal when not accompanied by built in the Farms were getting large became more difficult. So, if it beco speak with the code official and follo of living we all came here to experie
Linda Dross Tara Tall Transaction Tara TallAgent Linda Dross Buyer’s Linda Dross Tara Tall Coordinator Buyer’s Agent Transaction Coordinator
Buyer’s Agent
Transaction
Coordinator Keith Torregrossa CherylOffice Ehrhart Linda Dross (570) 421-2345 (570) 424-1521 Direct Tara Tall FARMS MARKET UPDATE Listing Agent POCONO Buyer’s Agent (570) Transaction (570) 421-2345 Office 424-1521 Direct Buyer’s Agent Coordinator
One of our volunteers was going to s the basic rules that we agree to follo Garbage cans left out for more than people may be away and have not m “pull in their trash can”. Others are h returning home, leaving the cans at many more cars without plates bein our residents to comply with this rul
POCONO FARMS MARKET UPDATE
Homes sold in Pocono(570) Farms over the past 6 Direct months (570)29421-2345 Office 424-1521 29 Homes sold in Pocono Farms over the past 6 months Avgsold soldprice priceisis up Avg
12% time lastlast yearyear 12%from fromthe thesame same �me
Inventory is down with 26 active listings in Pocono Farms Inventory is down with 26 ac�ve lis�ngs in Pocono Farms Now is a great time to sell! Now is a great �me to sell!
In August, our drivers logged 98 hou of our drivers “fly south” and we coul possible. A couple of hours a month Russ Kelly a call at 570-894-4034 or c you in the right direction.
I have been a full time Realtor serving Pocono Farms 105 Blackfoot For Realtor over 25 years! I have been a Lane full time serving Pocono Farms
over 25 years! I1111 have North Buyers inFifth thefor area looking for different property Street - Stroudsburg, Pa. 18360 types… Have you had any thoughts of selling? 1111 North Fifthremaxmtp@ptd.net Street-Stroudsburg, Pa. 18360
Office Independently Owned and Operated remaxmtp@ptd.net 1111 NorthEach Fifth Street-Stroudsburg, Pa. 18360 105 Blackfoot Lane Each Office Independently Owned and Operated remaxmtp@ptd.net
I4have Buyers inIndependently the area looking for differentW property Each Office Owned and Operated E AT H E RVA N E types… Have you had any thoughts of selling?
1111 North Fifth Street-Stroudsburg, Pa. 18360
AUGUST
2020
L et t er to t he OH WHAT A NIGHT!
L et t er to t he Editor Hi Dave, I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to tell you how happy Ed & I were with the 4th of July & all the work you & your staff put in to make sure we all enjoyed our amenities in a safe way. We used all of the facilities & were pleased to see that the staff was so efficient. As always, Katrina & her staff are cordial, food & service was great. The staff, Michael, & Jamie, also went beyond to make sure we enjoyed the time while taking all the necessary steps to assure our safety. The pool & beach was patrolled like they should be. I had one young lifeguard approach me as soon as I we entered politely asking for our badges. I had forgot them in my car & told him I would go back to get them. As soon as I came back this young man immediately approached me to make sure I had them & they were up to date. I think I surprised him by saying thank you for checking. A lifeguard out on a kayak patrolling the swimming was a wonderful idea, assuring safety. I watched the young girl in charge of the kayaks washing them down as soon as they came in, assuring safety.
2020-21 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS ALL MEETING TIMES ARE 7PM UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED
Friday, August 21st Friday, September 25th Friday, October 30th Friday, November 20th Friday, December 18th Friday, January 29th Friday, February 26th Work Session
Friday, March 26th Friday, April 30th Friday, May 21st Friday, June 18th Friday, July 16th Saturday, July 17th Annual Meeting 10am
I observed Nick coming down & checking on all of them making sure that everything was running smoothly. Jenn, at the pool, checking badges & the lifeguards making sure there was no fooling around & everyone was enjoying themselves. We had an incident that we approached security, Artie, about. Very happy to help us. This is how this community should be all of the time. I have told you in the past I am a big believer in letting people know of a job well done! This weekend was a job well done. Please thank all of the above people for allowing by family to have a wonderful 4th in this crazy time. Stay safe. Debbie
Tree Removal Tree Trimming Land Clearing Landscaping
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W E AT H E RVA N E
AUGUST
2020
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NOTICE
Due to the current restrictions in place, there will not be a Community Wide Yard Sale scheduled this summer. When we are permitted to host one again, we will do so. We (PFCCA) are also looking at rescheduling our Community Bulk garbage drop off that was originally scheduled in the spring. It may be late summer or early fall. We will provide our membership as much notice as we can. We appreciate your patience and cooperation!
To Advertise Your Business in the Weathervane Call Crystal at 845-456-1218
Tobyhanna, PA
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W E AT H E RVA N E
License #PA041576
AUGUST
2020
F un w it h Fitness BY KRISSIE AYLWARD, PFCCA FITNESS DIRECTOR
R ound by R ound BY TOM HOLLAND With positive optimism at the turn of a new decade, I’m sure we all agree that the start of it has been an interesting one! We’ve learned to adjust to wearing masks, working from home, home schooling, self-isolation, cooking more meals, and learning how to shop for groceries online - just to name a few things. But we’ve succeeded! Congratulations to us all!
It is August already and we have been working hard in the fitness center to keep you all safe and healthy! Maintaining this new normal has not been easy but it has been our top priority and I want to thank you all for your patience and understanding as things operate a little differently.
Even playing golf has changed - holes with foam in the cups, no rakes, and don’t touch this or that. Thankfully in my mind, these were easy alterations. The best thing of all, is how about course conditions? Magnificent! A big thanks to Jeff’s team for all you do. I’m sure I speak for many golfers, by saying that my appreciation for playing has increased during this trying time with all the limitations. I would also like to thank Kyle’s team for the extra efforts in keeping us safe and modifying our traditional tournament schedule. The mini Member-Guest tournament was a great success with all the positive feedback (to include delaying it to minimize the exposure to rain). We will continue to monitor the current environment and adjust as necessary.
We have gotten lucky with the weather for water aerobics and classes are going smoothly. They are open to all residents in the community so if you have not stopped over to try a class please join us. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10 am. Please have your ID badge with a current sticker handy as well.
Until then, Keep calm, wear your mask, and swing easy!
Along with water aerobics, we have added more classes to our summer line up including Yoga on the Beach. A personal favorite of mine, this class is very relaxing and is held lakefront every Saturday at 8 am, weather permitting. I encourage you to come and check that out as well. Please bring your own mat and block. This class is open to current fitness members only. Interested in trying it but not a fitness member? No worries, you can pop on into to Administration building during regular business hours and we can help you out with that. We have a One Month UNLIMITED class gift certificate for only $25!! Perfect for taking some of the summer classes without the hassle of a long-term commitment. Some oldies but goodies back in the line up are Dance Craze formerly called Zumba, Golden Hearts, Pilates, Chair Yoga, Body work and both a full body TRX class and a TRX HIIT class. The TRX classes are on a sign up only basis as space is limited. To sign up for a TRX class please call Krissie 570-894-4435 x116 or email fitness@poconofarms.com. All fitness members or class members are required to have scan card to gain access to both the fitness center and the classroom. So, if you are thinking about joining, you will need to leave a $10 deposit for a scan card as well. It is my hope that the summer season leaves us all safe and healthy as the Autumn weather begins to approach. Enjoy the rest of the summer and I look forward to seeing you. Please remember that if you are entering the Administration building, you will need to wear a mask and when using the fitness center please be mindful about wiping/sanitizing each machine as you are through using it. Thank you again for your patience and understanding as we continue to navigate through this ‘new normal” Krissie
W E AT H E RVA N E
AUGUST
2020
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